Poor Weather Conditions Cited As Contributing To The Accident

An Airbus A321 carrying 152 people is reportedly down in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. All those on board have been killed in the accident.

Airbus A321 File Photo

The plane, operated by Airblue, went down in a wooded area near the Pakistani capital. "It is a great tragedy, and I confirm it with pain that there are no survivors," said Imatiaz Elahi, chairman of the Capital Development Authroity in India.

The Associated Press reports that local television showed wreckage hanging from the trees and scattered across the ground. There was visible evidence of a post-crash fire. The Pakistani Army was sending troops to assist in the search.

The aircraft reportedly left Karachi in southern Pakistan at 0745 local time. The flight to Islamabad was scheduled to last two hours.

The Pakistani Airline Pilot Association said the plane had apparently deviated off course to avoid bad weather. Airbus said it would offer assistance to the Pakistani government as its investigation went forward. An airline spokesman said the pilot did not issue any distress call, and there were no known technical issues with the A321.

FMI: www.caapakistan.com.pk